all began with a single event back in 2007: the bartending competition.

It showcased local bartenders’ professionalism and talent and laid the foundation for what is now a week’s worth of cocktail-focused education, exploration and celebration.

Still, the contest remains at Popfest’s core, and bartenders will again return the Uptown Theater on Aug. 25 to vie for the title.

It’s no easy task. Finalists must prepare their original cocktails onstage for a panel of judges, as well as make a big enough batch for the public tasting room. Judges will compare the two versions, pick a classic drink at random for each contestant to make and quiz them industry knowledge.

, has been in the top tier of in every contest since 2008, when she placed third. Last year, Tosatto earned second place at Popfest and was a finalist in the Diageo World Class U.S. competition in New York.